Chelsea Ready To Step Up Chase For Arsenal Target, But Would Could He Offer The Blues?

Both Arsenal and Chelsea are set to be after Marseille's powerful defensive midfielder Giannelli Imbula, but the latter are said to be ready to step up their attempts to land the hot-head. But what could he offer the Blues should he arrive in west London in the new year.

He has played 10 games this season in the anchorman role and has been one of the club's most impressive outlets. He is a simple player - he picks apart opposition attacks and releases the ball to a midfield partner. He has completed 89% of his passes so far this season in Ligue 1 and completed 20/25 of his attempted tackles.

Imbula is also a busy little player. He flies around the midfield pockets sweeping things up for Marseille, averaging three defensive actions per game, and he is also able to take players on - being successful in 8/27 of his attempts.

Whether a move would signal the end of Michael Essien is a question that has been raised as the Ghanain is yet to appear in the league yet, but is something only Mourinho can answer.

To summarise, Imbula is a neat player who thrives on winning the ball back in the middle of the pitch and would offer Chelsea a lot of depth.